SMILE Eye Surgery

Refractive surgery is a cosmetic surgery that is performed to enjoy a spectacle-free life. It is the second most common surgery performed after cataract surgery. LASIK is the most commonly performed refractive surgery.

Why do you wear glasses?

A normal person sees clearly when light from the outside world falls correctly on the light-sensitive retinal layer of the eye. When these light rays fall in front of the eye, it results in blurring of distance images (Myopia) or when these rays fall behind the eye it causes blurred near vision (Hypermetropia). When the eye is unable to focus at one point due to uneven corneal curvature, it results in poor vision called astigmatism.

To correct the above-mentioned refractive errors we use glasses or contact lenses or go for a laser vision correction procedure

Laser vision correction can be of 3 types:

• PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
• LASIK (Laser Assisted in-situ Keratomileusis)
• Generation SMILE

Is LASIK the way to go then?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a quick and safe procedure.

A slice is made on the surface of the cornea to create a flap. The surgeon folds the flap back and removes some corneal tissue using an excimer laser. The flap is then laid back in place. When the cornea is reshaped, it focuses light directly onto the retina, providing clearer vision.

How long is the surgery and is hospital admission required?

The surgery takes about 5 minutes to perform for each eye. LASIK is performed using anaesthetic eye drops so there is no pain during the procedure. However, you may experience some eye discomfort and tear during the first eight hours after the surgery. LASIK is a painless procedure with rapid visual recovery and yields excellent visual outcomes for varying degrees of short-sightedness and astigmatism. No hospital admission needed.

Are there any side effects after LASIK?

It is a painless procedure. Though most patients are asymptomatic, some may have dry eyes, blurry vision and light sensitivity for the initial few days but most of these usually subside over time. Rarely do complications arise which can be rectified by an experienced surgeon.

Who should not opt for LASIK?

Pregnancy and persons below 18 years of age are not preferred. For those who have specific corneal eye diseases like keratoconus or severe dry eye disease, thin corneas with very high refractive errors are better avoided.

What if I am not eligible for LASIK?

We do offer solutions to your refractive problem even if your eyes are not suitable for LASIK.

Alternatives include PRK and Phakic IOL in case of thin corneas or high refractive errors.

In PRK we remove the epithelium of the cornea and then laser reshapes the cornea to get a clear vision.

In Phakic IOL, the implantable Collamer lens (ICL) is placed in front of the natural lens to correct the refractive errors

What are the advantages of LASIK?

• Quick visual recovery
• Relatively painless
• Established procedure
• High patient satisfaction in many studies
• Low complication rates
• Affordable

The LASIK Procedure – How is it performed?

At the start of surgery, anaesthetic eye drops are applied. Once the eye is numbed, an eyelid speculum is inserted to prevent the eyelids from blinking. Next, a thin flap is created in the outer layer of the cornea using a microkeratome. A little pressure or tightness may be felt at this stage.
Next, the hinged corneal flap is lifted, exposing the treatment area. You will be prompted to look and focus on an overhead target light while the excimer laser is applied to the treatment area.

Finally, the flap is repositioned upon completion and allowed to adhere. There are no sutures placed. The eyelid speculum is removed at this stage. The whole treatment takes approximately 5 minutes for each eye.

Once the anaesthetic eye drops wear off, the eye will feel quite gritty and irritable for a few hours. Frequent application of lubricating eye drops is useful. It is important that you do not rub your eyes in the first two weeks as the flap could be dislodged. Vision is misty during the first day and should clear by the next day.

Why LASIK @ Madurai Eye Center?

At Madurai Eye Center we offer the state-of-the-art screening technology Pentacam (Oculus) to ensure safety coupled with the precision of German engineering (Zeiss MEL80 excimer laser). Having vast experience of two decades in this field, we guide you through your decision to undergo refractive surgery. Our surgeons will help you make the right decision.

Wearing glasses is not everyone’s choice. Make your choice.